Texas House Bill HB1906

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to procedures for the alternative assessment of certain public school students that receive special education services and alternative accountability plans for certain campuses serving students that receive special education services.

Impact

By mandating the development of alternative assessment methods, HB1906 directly influences the state's approach to evaluating students with significant cognitive disabilities. The bill dictates that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) must collaborate with stakeholders—including parents and educators—to create appropriate evaluation frameworks for specialized support campuses that predominantly serve special education populations. Moreover, it allows for customized accountability plans, which could lead to more tailored support for students and potentially improve educational outcomes for this demographic.

Summary

House Bill 1906 aims to amend the Education Code to establish new procedures for the alternative assessment of public school students who receive special education services. The bill introduces provisions that allow parents or guardians of students with significant cognitive disabilities to request exemptions from standard assessment instruments. In instances where such exemptions are granted, alternative assessment methods will need to be developed to ensure that students are still evaluated appropriately based on their individualized education plans (IEP). This legislative change is intended to better serve the unique needs of special education students while maintaining oversight and accountability for their educational progress.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1906 appears to be largely positive among advocates for special education. Supporters appreciate that the bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by students with significant cognitive disabilities and the need for an assessment system that genuinely measures their progress. However, there are concerns about the implementation of the alternative assessments and whether they will sufficiently reflect the students' abilities and learning advancements. Overall, engagement from parents and educators is seen as critical to the effective application of the bill.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB1906 is the balancing act it represents between federal standards for student assessment under laws such as the Every Student Succeeds Act and the necessity for state-level flexibility to address the specific needs of students with disabilities. Some legislators may express concern regarding the adequacy of the proposed alternatives for traditional assessments, questioning whether they will truly offer equitable measures of student achievement. Additionally, stakeholders are likely to debate the adequacy of public input and consultation in the formation of alternative accountability plans.